Supporting positive mental health development in adolescents with a group cognitive intervention

Background: Supporting positive mental health development in adolescents is an important school health concern, but there is a need to investigate the suitability of the interventions used.

Aim: The aim is to investigate the experiences of school health professionals in conducting a universal school-based programme aimed at preventing depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Methods: Twenty-two school health professionals participated in four focus groups. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings: The overall theme identified in the study consists of 'striking a balance between strictly following the manual and meeting the students' needs'. Three subthemes emerged: 'doing good and sowing seeds for the future', working with insufficient tools, and 'personal development as a professional and as an individual'.

Conclusions: School health professionals conducting the programme found it valuable in a school setting, but considered support from the school administration essential.